News - World: World leaders have welcomed a ceasefire announcement for Gaza following three days of indirect talks between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Egypt on a plan put forth by US President Donald Trump.

Trump said early on Thursday that both Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of his Gaza plan, which includes a prisoner-captive exchange, the entry of humanitarian aid, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territory.

Within 72 hours of the signing of the agreement, 20 Israeli captives and the bodies of 28 others will be released in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, based on a list provided by Hamas.

Here is how world leaders reacted to the announcement:

UN chief 

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres described the deal as a "momentous opportunity", adding that the UN will support the "full implementation" of the deal, increase its delivery of humanitarian aid, and advance its reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

He called on all parties involved in the war to follow the terms of the deal, insisting, "The suffering must end."

US

Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his satisfaction with the deal.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to US President Trump, who demonstrated the necessary political will to encourage the Israeli government to agree to a ceasefire, and to our brotherly countries, Qatar and Egypt, for their significant support in reaching the agreement," he said.

 "We will closely monitor the agreement’s strict implementation and continue to contribute to the process. Similarly, we will continue our struggle until an independent, sovereign, and geographically integrated State of Palestine is established in Palestine, based on the 1967 borders.”

He also extended his greetings to Palestinians and their resistance who, "despite all the tragedies they have endured, have not compromised their dignified stance.”

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia welcomed the agreement reached on Gaza.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s welcome of the agreement that was reached on Gaza and the commencement of implementation of the first phase of President Trump’s proposal to end the war on the Gaza Strip and pave the way for a comprehensive and just peace,” a statement by the foreign ministry said.

United Kingdom

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he welcomed the Gaza ceasefire deal, urging that it must be implemented in full without delay.

"I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trump's peace plan for Gaza," Starmer said in a statement.

"This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza."

France

French President Emmanuel Macron called on all parties to “strictly respect” the terms of the agreement.

Macron claimed the Gaza ceasefire deal is the door to finding a political solution to the question of Palestine. “This agreement must mark the end of the war and the opening of a political solution based on the two-State solution. France stands ready to contribute to this objective.”

Germany

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he, too, welcomed the Gaza ceasefire deal.

However, he also cautioned that the Palestinian issue is "not yet finalized."

European Union

The EU said the bloc would continue to deliver aid to Gaza now and help with the reconstruction of the Palestinian territory.   

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said the EU “will continue to support the swift and safe delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. And when the time comes, we will be ready to help with recovery and reconstruction.”

Kaja Kallas, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security, hailed the Gaza ceasefire deal as a “breakthrough” and "a real chance" to end the war in Gaza.

The ceasefire deal is “a major diplomatic accomplishment, ” she said, adding, “The EU will do what it can to support its implementation.”

Italy

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the ceasefire deal as “extraordinary news.” Meloni expressed hope that it is an opportunity “to end this conflict that must absolutely be seized.”

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome was prepared to send peacekeeping troops to Gaza to monitor the ceasefire if necessary.

India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the deal, hoping that it would pave the way for lasting peace.

He said New Delhi welcomes the agreement, hoping that the release of captives and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring relief to them and pave the way for lasting peace.

Malaysia

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he welcomes the development, which offers a "semblance of hope" after months of unbearable suffering and devastation.

"Every effort that can bring an end to the violence and protect innocent lives must be pursued with sincerity and urgency," Anwar said on X.

"Malaysia stands in full solidarity with the people of Palestine in their quest for justice, dignity, and statehood. I urge all relevant parties to seize this opportunity to move towards a comprehensive and enduring peace," he added.

China

China on Thursday called for a “comprehensive and permanent” ceasefire in Gaza.

“China hopes that a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza will be realized as soon as possible, the humanitarian crisis will be effectively eased, and tensions in the region will be defused,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing.

Guo said China “upholds the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine and promotes the implementation of the two-state solution.”

“We stand ready to work with the international community to make our efforts towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to Palestinian questions and a peaceful and stable Middle East,” he added.

Japan

Japan said that all the captives need to be released, a lasting peace needs to be realized, the humanitarian situation in Gaza needs to be fundamentally improved, and the Israeli attacks need to be stopped.

"We have been in coordination with relevant countries to conduct diplomatic efforts, and this is conducive to the settlement of the situation, and also an important step forward towards the two-state solution," Yoshimasa Hayashi, the chief Cabinet secretary, told reporters in Tokyo.

Hailing the diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey in securing the deal, he called for a "steady execution" of the agreement.

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the agreement as a “ray of light.”

The announcement brought “hope that after eight decades of conflict and terror, we can break this cycle of violence and build something better,” he said. “Today the world has cause for real hope,” he added.

New Zealand

Pakistan

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed hope that the Gaza peace deal will bring an end to the genocide in Gaza and is a "historic opportunity" to secure lasting peace in the Middle East.

He said in a message posted on X that, along with Trump, the "resolute and wise" leaders of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey are also to be applauded for their tireless efforts to negotiate a deal.

"Most of all, we must all pay tribute to the Palestinian people -- who have suffered in an unprecedented manner, one that should never, ever be repeated," he added.

"We will continue to work with partners, friends, and the leaders of brotherly nations to ensure that peace, security, and dignity for the Palestinian people are established in accordance with their wishes and UN resolutions."

Source: Press TV